Speedy Hire packs a punch at boxing event

Published: 29 September, 2007

Speedy Hire is throwing its weight behind the largest celebrity boxing event ever organised by joining forces with the London and Midlands ex-boxers associations.

The tool and equipment hire company is backing a 'Hope and Glory' event, which is taking place at the Birmingham International Convention Centre this month, to honour a former employee who passed away 12 months ago and was an integral part of the business.

Mike Higgins had a passion for boxing and worked at Speedy Hire for 19 years. He helped build the national accounts team into one of the largest departments within the Group.

The event is being organised to raise money for an English Boxing Hall of Fame and Speedy will also use the occasion as a platform to unveil a memorial plaque for Mike Higgins.

Steve Corcoran, chief executive at Speedy Hire plc, said: "Mike gained the respect and admiration of colleagues and customers over his 19 years with the company. Everyone responded to his drive, enthusiasm, commitment and dedication. His truly likeable personality will be sincerely missed by all.

“We wanted to set up a memorial for Mike to show how much he meant to the company and this event seemed fitting as he always had a strong passion for boxing. Mike was an ex-boxer himself which is why we decided to support this venture. We are extremely proud to be associated with an event of this size and scale.”

Over 20 former World, European and British champions plus a further 30 regional boxing champions and boxing celebrities will be attending the event, which is confirmed as the biggest gathering of boxing greats ever held in Britain. Confirmed attendees include British-born Nigel Benn, Alan Minter, John Conteh, John H Stracey and Charlie Magri to name just a few.

Boxing promoter Paul Rowson, who is organising the occasion in conjunction with the London and Midlands ex-boxers" associations, explained that some of the funds raised from the event, which is sponsored by Speedy Hire, will go towards establishing the first English Boxing Hall of Fame.